Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004
31 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the Government will fulfil its commitment to the GAA to grant it €38 million for the redevelopment of Croke Park; if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the GAA president that the organisation was paying €6 million a year in interest to service the debt incurred during the redevelopment project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19732/04]
View answerThe Government has provided financial support of €69.84 million to the GAA towards the redevelopment of Croke Park. I do not share the contention that there is an outstanding commitment to provide additional funds for this work. In the context of the development of a State financed national stadium at Abbotstown, special funding proposals were made in April 2001 to the GAA on the basis of its intended usage of the completed stadium's facilities. This proposal lapsed with the Government's decision not to proceed with the development of a national stadium at Abbotstown.
Earlier this year I met with officers of the GAA and discussed with them the provision of additional funding for Croke Park. Following a useful exchange at that and previous meetings, the organisation understands that the Government is well disposed to support the GAA. The important contribution made by the GAA to Irish sport is well recognised in terms of the supports it has received through various funding channels operated through my Department. For instance, over €156 million has been allocated in capital and current funding in the five years up to 2003 between the sports capital programme and funds provided through the Irish Sports Council. Most recently, grants announced under the 2004 sports capital programme have included an allocation of €21 million to assist 260 local GAA projects.
